FAVORITE Pickleball TIP, Boost Your Game

[@paulmcdevitt2038]

‘Slowing down’ was the single biggest factor in improving my game. I improved all my shots and reduced errors.

[@nickramirez5670]

Bro, your a beast! Thank you for the great analogies. You are the “Yoda” of pickleball!!

[@jazzdad52]

I’ve watched many YT videos trying to get to (4.0? 3.0?) you are one of the BEST at explaining the skills to develop, and most important, how to practice. I learned how to practice as a musician, in college. Your methods for practice, are excellent in many ways. Practicing the physical skill is essential, but it doesn’t help much if you don’t practice to make it instinctive. (Muscle memory) I learned to practice a piece of music to make it “my own” as if I had worked for weeks writing it. Playing it became natural, allowing me to concentrate on expression. Your methods seem to accomplish the same.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks, I appreciate that. I always love to hear that my content is helping people improve and understand the game better. 👍

[@mediumdun18]

Have seen so much improvement in a very short time with this butterfly net series and your quick hands video was equally helpful . Your content is so fundamentally sound and succinct without any click bait . Thanks to the great overlord algorithm that got me here . Many thanks!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks so much, I’m working hard on creating valuable content so I really appreciate hearing that. 😊

[@orlyfrank1419]

Yes , this is SO important .. . Mindfulness in your strokes ,footwork , placement is EVERYTHING. Such a good life lesson as well . .

[@lawrencepalmieri1457]

You provide unbelievably high-quality information. I wished I had learned these things earlier in my progress as a player. Thank you so much.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks Lawrence! It’s never to late to start getting it right 👍

[@jjmiller20]

This and your video about catching the ball with a net are really good. They help me understand what I see when I watch pro's play and give me the first inklings of how to implement this into my own game. Such subtle concepts but I think really important. Lunging video and your drills video also were so informative. Thanks for the great content. I'm picky about which pickleball videos I share with my group but I keep sharing yours.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks Josh, that’s exactly my goal with these. Give people the fundamentals to build your game on. When you watch pros it’s easy to focus on the ATP’s/ Ernes and fancy shots. But I’m the end it’s really the basics that Pros are all exceptionally good at.

[@jimwaldemarsen472]

John great videos, your teaching style is a cut above most of the content on You Tube. How you break it down mechanically is awesome. I'm glad I found your site. My algorithm hadn't brought me any of your videos before. I see you've only been seriously doing this for a couple months. I subscribed and will now get notifications when you have a new video. Keep em coming people are starving for this type of instruction. Thank you!!!!!

[@marielandry8929]

Your videos rock! As a relatively new player I really appreciate that you are clear with foundational concepts, progression, and the actual "how to" skill development. Thanks.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks so much Marie. I really love to hear that people are getting value out of the videos. I’ll keep working hard on them 👍

[@7thstmartialarts]

I train with what I call “Double Chambered breathing”. What you call “gather” is two inhales in the flexion and supination phase of sports medicine body motion of a full body strike.

[@doodleedah]

@@7thstmartialarts can you elaborate on this?

[@grashew4323]

Thanks for the advice, I have noticed that a lot of players do pause before hitting the ball, this area is so underrated, and no one ever mentioned it, so glad you brought it up to our awareness !!!!!!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks, I believe it’s an underrated skill as well. When this part of the game improves every aspect of your play improves with it.

[@swinkeymo]

Excellent! I have been trying to "slow down" while playing and the mindset just makes me a lazy slow player. You were quick and explosive so you could pause. That is the mindset trick I needed!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Yeah, the key is slowing down at the right time. Quick to react/ slow when you execute.

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you for your time and posting. Great content, nice and slow for us seniors.

[@johncincolapickleball]

You bet, that's the beauty of Pickleball. You play better by doing less and being more efficient. Anyone can make that change

[@marvindennis3664]

excellent. Love the humor re the abilities of AL, Riley and Ben. Ben is a great example of slowing down. He walks around the court, is never in a hurry but gets to the ball early so that he can execute while under control. Riley works at a faster pace but is extremely athletic. AL has such good anticipation to go with very good feet. I like to tell people that good shots start with the feet. Thanks for the reinforcement.

[@pickleballstudent8523]

Love this content! These are the small nuances that most players don’t talk about. I can’t wait to see more. I’m just starting to understand that lunging (with balance) is really key for good consistent soft plays. All top level players do this. This is why many people say that they look slow or effortless. So glad I found you!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks so much! I’m glad the. Ideas are helping. I love to hear that 👍

[@billpaige6595]

Wow love your teachings & advice thank you so much . I’m probably a3.5 at best I want to improve so bad .

[@davidaronson9475]

Great video. If you can get to the shot and pause before you hit it you can easily keep your head steady through the swing which promotes solid contact, giving you a much better chance of hitting a good shot.

[@johncincolapickleball]

You got it David! Keeping the head still is always a major factor.

[@jorgevelasquez9955]

So clear with your tips and execution. Really enjoy your videos.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks Jorge, glad you’re enjoying the content!!

[@chuckywall8814]

Awesome piece of coaching. Easily digestible as someone who hasn't been playing for that long. Tried it out last weekend and found I had so much more time not only to play the shot, but to think about what type of shot I wanted to play and where to place it.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Awesome, I’m glad it helped. That’s exactly the result you should be hoping for as you improve more and more at it.

[@ginnyk891]

Absolutely awesome content. I really like how you take each lesson to teach a step. And the next lesson builds on the previous.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks Ginny, I’m so glad your finding the content useful!

[@mikefixac]

I saw this video a few days ago and thought I'd give it a shot. Oh my, the difference it made in my game. When I'm in position, then waiting, all my focus can be on what I want to do with the ball. Thanks John, this video has been a big help.

[@JARODA9999]

Thank you for detailed explanation and examples... helps everyone! It's funny how I was aware of this from the baseline and yet didn't apply it to my "Net" game mentally. Game changer. One personal note that I can recommend mentioning specific to "pausing," is "one thought...one shot." I can best apply it to when I played high level racquetball and when you get "in the zone" and are paused and ready, sometimes you can over think (or over 'see') too many options! Just pick the best one and execute well! Great video!

[@bufenuf642]

Another very helpful tip. Bravo and keep ‘em coming 😎

[@BadPickleball]

Damn, every video you put out leaves me wanting the next one to come out fast! Keep up the great work JC!!! And not sleeping on the production either, love the editing!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate the support 😊

[@ADJoshua1]

Excellent vision and tips, John. Please keep them coming!

[@a.j.6018]

I really look forward to your videos! Thank you for all the help 😊

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks AJ!!

[@vincentgorman8271]

John, Wonderful material as always. Really happy to see Selkirk partnership! As for future sessions, would love to see you cover the offensive lob both technically and tactically. Keep up the great work!

[@brendafry7936]

You've really nailed this content!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks Brenda, I’m working hard on it 😊

[@hectoryanez1440]

Wow! You keep coming up with the right way (and thought process) to explain and teach how to approach pickeball's shots. Thank you!!!

[@marshall4480]

This has really improved my game. Thanks for the awesome videos! 🙌🏻🤛🏻😎

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks Marshall! I enjoy hearing that the content is helping out 👍

[@mr.d5255]

Hi John, I really enjoy your content! Wondering if you will ever consider doing a video on how you set up your ball machine for drilling by yourself. Say Drops, 3rds' and drives? Thanks

[@johncincolapickleball]

Hey Thanks, Ive got a video out already of my 5 favorite ball machine drills and the settings for each.

[@mr.d5255]

@@johncincolapickleball Yep, saw that after posting that! Keep up the good work.

[@gnarfish5555]

Love your videos. Actually your tips helped me in my tennis techniques

[@1939minutes]

Great video. Right on. Love it. Watch you on the tour. California Bill

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks Bill!! I appreciate your support 😊

[@robinpeng9419]

This is an excellent analysis and demonstration of a vital atheletic mindset. Do you offer an one-on-one training session? If so, I'd like to learn more and plan a session with you. Thanks again for your great content posts!

[@RudyDeLaGarza]

Hey @John, can you please show us your settings on the Spinshot machine? I’d love to see your set up for practicing the dinks especially. Position of machine along with the settings would be ideal. Thanks! Your videos are really helping!

[@radradrad]

I notice on the dinks that when you’re hitting it correctly, the ball is generally on its way down from its peak (after the bounce). Whereas, the incorrect ones you’re generally hitting it while it’s on its way up to its peak. Extremely informative. Thank you very much for the video.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Yeah, that’s a good observation. Generally went you take a on the rise or right off the bounce it’s very difficult to hit the shot offensively. You could get it back with consistency but it will generally be a defensive dink. If you can let the ball peak and buy a little more time you can make a little more aggressive swing and get a more knifing offensive dink out of it. I try not to short hop the ball at the kitchen line unless my opponent forces me to to.

[@bicyclethief]

i think you can unpack "slowing down" a lot: short compact swing, proper footwork to get into position before, the split step before that, and so on. lots of things done correctly that affords a player the time to slow down, but good theme to touch on! thank you sir!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Yes, I agree 💯. I’ll definitely be going more in depth on this topic in future videos.

[@joannejanas7768]

I love your videos and I found your tip to slow down very helpful!

[@middleground8388]

This video helped me immensely!

[@GIO_RUBBLE]

awesome thanks great advice also appreciate the link for the ball machine too!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks!!

[@squashdevicer]

Excellent advice. Thanks

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks Leonard!

[@StumpArchery]

Learning so much from your videos, keep it simple and make more. Thanks for the tips .

[@janerosexia747]

Best coach!

[@johncincolapickleball]

thank you!

[@deborahducworth5619]

It’s all about timing! Yes.

[@johncincolapickleball]

It sure is! Thanks

[@Positivecuriosity46]

Awesome tips!

[@brandonnguyen1886]

Hey John, really like your videos. Looking forward to seeing you compete and bring home the gold at the APP Houston Tournament! Quick question, what were the settings you had for your spin shot when you demonstrating the pauses for your dinks?

[@johncincolapickleball]

Hey Brandon, thanks. I don’t know right off hand. I’m going to be making a video with my favorite drills for the spinshot so I’ll cover a lot of settings in that video.

[@kayvickers3023]

Great video, thanks!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks so much Kay!

[@jzamaray]

Can you share your ball machine settings you using to drill

[@johncincolapickleball]

Yes, I will. I don’t have them on me right now. I’ll share next time I’m at the court. Thanks.

[@adammccutchan2357]

Great video 👍

[@josephh2796]

Really good tip. But there is a time to also hurry things up a bit right? I feel like sometimes I'm too slow in my swing and the ball gets behind me

[@johncincolapickleball]

Yes. You want your hurrying to be in your initial reaction to the ball so you can get to the general spot quickly which affords you the ability to slow down. Again think of the baseball player. Explosive in their first step reacting to the ball and the general direction it’s going and then slowing down for the execution of the play

[@mikepetrandis8525]

Great video. How Can I watch part three video?

[@johncincolapickleball]

Hey Mike, part 3 isn’t out yet. Still working on it. It will most likely be the next one I release. Thanks.

[@shargogo8876]

Does this video indicate that instead of half volley, getting a little back and get more room for dinking is a better option?

[@billkennedy401]

After playing for a year, I'm playing my 1st tournament next Friday. Having never played (a) in a tournament or (b) Singles, I'll be watching this video again, before my 1st match. I'm pretty sure I'll be rushing everything so this will be an excellent thought to have as I take the court.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Awesome, good luck! This is great thing to think about in tournament matches. It’s simple and not too over-technical. Most people will tend to rush even more in tourneys when j nerves are present as well.

[@billkennedy401]

@@johncincolapickleball Thanks John. Goofy question time - what is the final weight of your paddle? My lightest paddle is 9.3 & heaviest is 9.6 oz

[@thirtydayjeff]

Do you train folks in that nice set up ? If so what area is that located. And is the spin shot worth the 2 k. Tks

[@johncincolapickleball]

I do, I’m teaching in Crystal Lake Illinois. Unfortunately my lesson schedule is pretty filled up at the moment. It is a lot of money but I think the spinshot is the best ball machine on the market if you’re looking at the higher end machines. Obviously you can find something closer to 1k if you’re looking for a basic machine.

[@thirtydayjeff]

@@johncincolapickleball well Illinois might be a little bit of a ride from South Florida but as far as the machines go I think I might look into this one, buy once cry once!

[@TRUCKSTOPPOLITICS]

As a former college tennis player this is the biggest thing I need to work on

[@plumbedout7282]

John I'm a new player to pickleball. My question is I thought you hit the ball out in front of you? But doing the pause you seem to be hitting the ball from the side more than in front when your dinking.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Yeah, you want to hit it in front. Not too far in front though so you’re not overextended. Sometimes that ball might get to your side but that’s not optimal

[@plumbedout7282]

Thanks

[@brianrutherford2379]

Every day, I go to pickleball thinking I am going to slow down and end up rushing far too often. Maybe watching it again will help,

[@thirtydayjeff]

You should make the slingshot link live

[@johncincolapickleball]

I’m working on that. For now it just goes to the homepage and you have to click on the menu and select pickleball. The free shipping and free cover will still apply if you add it to the cart through that link though.

[@doc-bj4bj]

I noticed on a lot of your dinks you step back. I presume this is to give you more time, turn your shoulders, and not hit at your feet. Your lunge video showed how to do this. I often get jammed w balls at my feet. Particularly my backhand dink since my feet get glued to the kitchen line. It seems like the lunge is more times then not 45 degrees from kitchen line or said another way, to the side and back. I think this will really help my dinks where I have to stretch. Thanks!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Yeah, you got it. I’m going to be doing a full video on this topic. Your options here are to hold the line and take the ball out of the air, take the ball off the short hop or if you feel pressed for time you can step back and create a little more time to play the ball off the bounce. I personally try to avoid half volleys as much as possible. I’m usually taking it out of the air or stepping back off the bounce if I feel rushed.

[@davidwoerner126]

@@johncincolapickleball WHY do you avoid half volleys? Thanks.

[@jasonwalker1959]

I've been trying to do this more and like it, however, i've also found many balls getting too "deep" as I pause, resulting in a bit more difficult shot.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Ideally you want to pause after you get to the spot and are set up for the ball. You want to react explosively and then slow down as the ball gets closer.

[@RalphL12332]

Ben and Collin are calm, their feet are never chittering, even 5.5 and other 6.0 players get moving to much. The two best always stay calm. And when will people learn drives are overrated

[@johncincolapickleball]

You got it Sean, the best players are calm and under control at all times.

[@ramin175]

How can we get in touch with you?

[@johncincolapickleball]

You can email me at [e-mail]

[@robynnichols1695]

I try to apply this to my game but unfortunately my opponent returning my shot is not as predictable as that ball machine.🙁

[@mikepetrandis8525]

How I see first video

[@johncincolapickleball]

If you go to my channel it’s the one with the butterfly net as the thumbnail

[@3.99atBest]

HUUUUUUUUUUUGE thing that no one talks about

[@El_Guap]

While I appreciate the "wrong way" (taking it off the bounce too early) you could be taking it off the volley and putting pressure.

[@joenenninger971]

Why do all youtubers start with versions of "hey, what's goin' on"?